Volatile fumigant package



Feb. 19, 1935. W, HOUGHTQN 1,991,938

l VOLATI'LE FUMIGANT PACKAGE Original Filed April 5, 1926 mun/ifo 1,

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Patented Feb. 19, 11935V4 VOLATILE FUMIGANT PACKAGE Harry W. Houghton,Glen Echo, Md., assignor to` Safety Fumigant Company, a corporation ofMassachusetts Application April 5, 1926, serial No. 99,955 RenewedSeptember 23, 1932 Claims.

This invention relates to means for distributing gaseous or volatilesubstances, particularly such as are of a poisonous nature, intended foruse Vas fumigants, insecticides, germicides, etc.,

5 commonly containing hydrocyanic acid gas or other cyanogen compoundsin gaseous or liquid form. The invention aims to provide a safe andinexpensive package of convenient size for ordinary domestic use, andwhich may be transported and sold without special precautions againstaccident. K

Further objects of the invention appear in connection with the followingdescription of the illustrative embodiment thereof shown in theaccompanying drawing, wherein Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of thedevice showing it lled with a liquid fumigant;

Fig. 2 is a side View; and

Fig. 3 is an end view thereof.

The device selected for purposes of illustration and shown in thedrawing comprises an inner glass tube or receptacle 11, which containsthe fumigant and is shown as hermetically sealed at its ends, and whichis provided with a middle constriction 12 that may readily be fracturedto permit the fumigant contents 13 to escape; but the container may bemade of any suitable materials and constructed in various ways forpreventing leakage or accidental escape of the gaseous contentswhilepermitting liberation of thevv gas at will.

In the form of device illustrated, which is particularly adapted fordomestic use against household vermin, moths, insects and disease germs,the fumigant is preferably a gaseous combine containing hydrocyanic acidand cyanogen chloride or the like (such as is described in my Patent No.1,521,537, dated December 30, 1924) absorbed in a volatile liquid, ormixture of liquids, such water, so as to constitute therewith an acidnitrile; but the invention is not restricted to these particular gasesand materials, as it is evident that the principle applies to packagingany gas emitting substances or gas that can be handled only withdifiiculty or danger.

Referring to the drawing the glass tube or container l1 is surroundedwith a diffusing and Va porizing medium or element 14, shown asabsorbent cotton, or other material permeable to gas and interposing asubstantial resistance to the free flowing away of the liquid'contentswhen the container is broken open. The permeable material 14 may bewrapped with'a few layers of 55 gauze bandage 15, or other suitablematerial for as carbon tetrachloride, acetone, or glyeerine andV holdingit in close contact with the tube; and a varnished or treated fabric orglazed paper cover 16, or other moisture-proof material, is tightlyYWrapped around the outside. The ends of the wrapper 16 may convenientlybe held by eyelets 17, having perforated centers to permit gas to escapefrom Within the package.

The manner of use of the device is extremely simple. Assuming the tubeto be filled with a Suitable fumigant in solution, the neck 12` of thel0 tube is fractured by a smart blow, and the liquid seeps out into thediffusing absorbent material, where it volatilizes in due course, thegas or vapor finding its way out through the ends of the package orwherever the perforated eyelets 17 l5 or equivalent means are located.The length ot time required for the gas to find its Way out issuiiicient to permit the user to leave the vicinity in advance of theescape of the fumes.

The device may be constructed in graduated 20 sizes, the inner containerl1 having such capacity as to suit the space to be fumigatedand'strength of gas per cubic foot best adapted to accomplish thepurpose desired.

The term diffusing element as herein em- 25 ployed .is intended toembrace any mediumV that is adapted and arranged to receive and act uponthe contents as it issues from the container and prepare it forliberation of the gas gradually or assist in the gradual liberation ofthe gas. 80

The invention is not restricted to the form of device shown anddescribed, but what I claim is:

1. A fumigant package comprising a glass tube having its middle ofreduced cross-section and filled with a gasabsorbent material, anabsorbent packing surrounding and protecting said receptacle, and acover permitting slow escape of gas.

2. A fumigant package comprising a breakable receptacle for a gasabsorbent material, an absorbent packing surrounding and protecting saidl0 receptacle, and a wrapping of Water-proof ilexible material havingaperture means permitting slow escape ofV gas.

3. A fumigant package comprising a receptacle 11 having a portion 12adapted to be broken open, 45 and containing a gas absorbent filling 13,and diffusing material 14 surrounding said portion 12 and enclosed in awrapper 16 provided with gas escape openings 17.

4. A fumigant gas liberating device consisting of a container having abreakable portion, a body of liquid of a character to give off fumigantgas within said container, and a covering surrounding said containercomprising a diiusing medium permeable 'to gas and arranged to receivesaid 55 liquid mixture comprising carbon tetrachloride and acetonehaving hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride in the form of a gaseouscombine absorbed therein whereby a gaseous Iumigant is evolved uponexposure of said liquid to the atmosphere. Y

HARRY W. HoUGHToN.

5. A sealed package containing a slowly volatile

